Why You Should Take Proanthocyanidin (PAC) Supplement?
Jul 20, 2022
What is Proanthocyanidin Supplement?
95% Proanthocyanidin Powder is a beneficial dietary supplement with diverse proven health benefits. As one of the pivotal active ingredients in red wine, proanthocyanidins (PACs) first entered public awareness, are bioavailable in plasma, and have powerful antioxidant activity. Their free radical scavenging properties outperform popular antioxidants like vitamins C and E, and proanthocyanidin supplement has shown superior ability to protect cells from lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation. PAC supplement has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells while promoting growth in normal human cells and protecting normal human cells from the toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents.
Proposed mechanisms for the activity of PAC supplement on cancer cells include regulation of PAC supplement by upregulation of BCL-Xs and JNK genes causing apoptosis, and downregulation of Bcl-xl expression and mitogenic signaling to encourage cell growth. Toxicity and mutation studies demonstrate the safety of PAC supplements and support their use as a health supplement.
Why You Should Take Proanthocyanidin Supplement?
Proanthocyanidin extract is a dietary supplement made primarily from the removal, drying, and crushing of the bitter seeds of grapes. Grape seeds are packed with antioxidants, including phenolic acids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs). Due to its high antioxidant content, PAC supplements can help prevent disease and protect from oxidative stress, tissue damage, and inflammation.
Let’s take a closer look at the amazing health benefits of PAC supplement as follows:
★ May Lower Blood Pressure: PAC supplement may help lower blood pressure, especially in young to middle-aged adults and those who are overweight. A review of 16 studies of 810 people with hypertension or high risk of hypertension found that taking 100-2,000 mg of PAC supplement per day substantially lowered systolic blood pressure by an average of 6.08 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 2.8 mmHg respectively. People under the age of 50 with obesity or a metabolic disorder reflected the greatest improvement. The most promising results came from lower doses of 100-800 mg per day for eight to sixteen weeks, rather than a single dose of 800 mg or more.
★ May Improve Blood Flow: Proanthocyanidin extract has been shown to ameliorate blood flow and lower the risk of blood clotting, which may be beneficial to those with circulatory problems. In an 8-week study of 17 healthy postmenopausal women, taking a 400 mg PAC supplement had blood-thinning effects that may reduce the risk of blood clots. Another study in 8 healthy young women evaluated the effects of a single 400 mg PAC supplement, followed immediately by sitting for 6 hours. It reduced leg swelling and edema by 70% compared to not taking PAC supplements.
★ May Reduce Oxidative Damage: PAC supplement may help to lower the risk of heart disease by inhibiting the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and reducing the oxidation of heart tissue during the time of stress. Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood are a known risk factor for heart disease. Oxidation of LDL cholesterol substantially increases this risk and plays a key role in atherosclerosis, or the buildup of fatty plaque in arteries. In several animal studies, PAC supplement has been found to reduce LDL oxidation caused by a high-fat diet. When 8 healthy people ate a high-fat meal, taking 300 mg of PAC supplements inhibited the oxidation of fats in the blood, compared with a 150% increase in those who did not take PAC supplements.
★ May Support Brain Function: Proanthocyanidin extract has shown the possibility to inhibit many degenerative features of the brain and cognitive decline. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of PAC supplements are thought to delay or reduce the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. A 12-week study in 111 healthy older adults found that taking a 150 mg daily PAC supplement improved concentration, language, and immediate and delayed memory.
What are Possible Side Effects?
PAC supplement is generally regarded as safe and has few side effects. Doses of approximately 300-800 mg daily for 8-16 weeks have been found to be safe and well tolerated in humans. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid it as there is lacking data on its effects in these populations. Proanthocyanidin extract may lower blood pressure, thin the blood, and increase blood flow, so caution is advised for those taking blood-thinning or antihypertensive medications. Additionally, it may reduce iron absorption, as well as improve liver function and drug metabolism. Consult practitioners or doctors before taking PAC supplements.
If you are interested in or wanna have further information on our 95% Proanthocyanidin Powder, please do not hesitate to contact us at april@inhealthnature.com.